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Channel Weekly
Vol. 9, No. 15, January 11, 2007



1. Courses for certification available Winter/Spring/Summer 2007
2. NFB-NEWSLINE provides local TV program listing service
3. BadgerLink training schedule announced
4. "Academy Evenings" DVDs available from Reference and Loan
5. National awards for museum and library services
6. Supplemental data tables from the Academic Libraries Survey (ALS): 2002 and 2004
7. Improving Literacy Through School Libraries studies new grant priority
8. Website of the Week - An Outline of the U.S. Economy
9. Calendar


1. COURSES FOR CERTIFICATION AVAILABLE WINTER/SPRING/SUMMER 2007

New and old courses round out the Winter/Spring and Summer 2007 schedule for the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Library and Information Studies, including courses that will meet some of the requirements for public librarian certification at the grade 2 and grade 3 level. Complete course descriptions and registration instructions may be found at http://www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed/. Contact Anna Palmer (ahpalmer@wisc.edu) or 608-263-4452 if you have questions.

Certification Courses: Winter/Spring 2007

Basic Reference
January 22-April 14
Instructor: Jean Anderson, Sun Prairie Public Library

Basic Public Library Management
January 22-April 7
Instructor: Jane Pearlmutter, UW-Madison

Certification Courses: Summer by-the-Lake in Madison

Public Library Administration
June 25-29
Instructor: Kelly Krieg-Sigman, La Crosse Public Library

Cataloging
August 13-17
Instructor: Debra Shapiro, UW-Madison

2. NFB-NEWSLINE PROVIDES LOCAL TV PROGRAM LISTING SERVICE

NFB-NEWSLINE, the free electronic newspaper service offered by the National Federation of the Blind, recently began providing access to a TV listing service for users. Registered users can enter their zip code, source of TV reception and time zone, and obtain quick and easy access to their local TV listings. The listings are interactive and the user can navigate and choose between date, time, and/or channel listings. After a user enters a local zip code, he or she is presented with a list of cable and satellite providers in the area. The user can also indicate the use of a television antenna. One new user of the service commented that as a parent of two children, the service provided the ability "to find quality television programming for young children." He said, "Now I can choose appropriate TV shows for my children, just like any other sighted parent."

Over 50,000 NFB-NEWSLINE subscribers already enjoy the free electronic newspaper service which carries 242 newspapers and magazines to 41 states and the District of Columbia. The Department of Public Instruction provides access to NFB-NEWSLINE for blind and physically handicapped Wisconsin residents. The Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped can assist users in the registration process and also in using the services.

Funding is provided through the state's Universal Service Fund. For further information contact Sally Drew at 608-2243-6161 or the Regional Library staff at 1-800-242-8822 (Wisconsin) or 1-414-286-3045 in Milwaukee.

3. BADGERLINK TRAINING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

BadgerLink training web sessions funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation U.S. Library Program are available for registration by public library staff. Linda Miller, LMA Techwork, has developed and will present each session. Instructions on how to register for these sessions are provided at the bottom of this announcement.

BadgerLink - Resources for Kids
Tuesday, February 13, 2007; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Description: The EBSCO interfaces for kids are a major part of this session. Featured are the resources for Kids that are part of EBSCO [Kids Search and Searchasaurus (grades K-5), Student Research Center (grades 6-12)], LitFinder, and TeachingBooks.com. Focus of this session is on materials for children including access to images.

BadgerLink -- Newspapers
Monday, March 5, 2007; 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Description: This session shows how to search newspapers through ProQuest (NewsStand and Ethnic NewsWatch), EBSCO (Regional newspapers, Corporate ResourceNet, and NewspaperARCHIVE Elite). The trainer will review the vendor interface feature and show how to locate obituaries and information by personal names, historical resources, and information on current events. Access to NewspaperARCHIVE Elite will require some knowledge of Adobe Acrobat which the trainer will provide. The trainer will use examples that can be used by library staff to train users in BadgerLink use.

BadgerLink -- Humanities
Wednesday, March 28, 2007; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Description: This session uses EBSCO, ProQuest, LitFinder, and TeachingBooks resources to find information on the arts, literature, and music. The trainer will show users how to locate reviews of books, plays, films, and recordings. Advanced features of EBSCO and ProQuest will be explored to find short stories, speeches, and poetry; in addition, the resources of LitFinder. Resources for hobbies will also be shown.

BadgerLink -- Ethnic Information
Thursday, April 26, 2007; 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Description: This session provides information on using EBSCO, ProQuest, LitFinder, and the African American Biographical Database to find information on different cultures and ethnic groups. The trainer will show how to find resources in Spanish and resources to help students with homework assignments. Examples are given that can be used by library staff to train others in BadgerLink use. Advanced features of EBSCO and ProQuest will be covered such as using folders, personal interfaces and accounts, etc.

BadgerLink -- Searching techniques for selected databases
Friday, May 11, 2007; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Description: This session will provide an overview of searching techniques in several BadgerLink databases including locating items in different formats (pamphlets, book reviews, primary historical documents); searching for articles in a specific periodical; finding images; using subject directories, truncation, and wildcard searching. The session will cover databases in specific subject areas such as business, medicine, and humanities using examples specific to these disciplines.

Please REGISTER for one or more of these sessions at: http://www.uwex.edu/ics/wlwreg/wlwwelcome.cfm.
From the welcome page, you can locate an event in the following way:
Select the sponsoring organization WI DPI; and then under BadgerLink select the date of the event.

If you've used the service before, login to the system by entering your username and password. If you've never used the system, just click on the "Sign up" link to set up a new account. After logging in, your account information is displayed on the registration page. You can review your personal information and add the names of additional attendees at your location (miscellaneous box), if needed. You can also link to more information about the event, or download a file with further information. To finish your registration, click the "Register for this event" button. After submitting your registration, you'll receive a web page confirmation containing the information you submitted and instructions for entering the web conference. You can print the page at this point or follow the links for further information. You'll also receive an email confirmation for your records.

It is a good idea to review the tips page on the WisLine Web site by clicking on the link: http://www.uwex.edu/ics/wlweb/tips.htm.

If you have any questions about the BadgerLink web sessions, please contact Vickie Long, WISCAT Training/User Support, Reference & Loan Library, (608) 224-5394 (voice), (888) 542-5543 (toll free) or (608) 224-6178 (fax).

4. "ACADEMY EVENINGS" DVDs AVAILABLE FROM REFERENCE AND LOAN

"Understanding the Middle East" is a set of five DVDs containing live recordings of the Academy Evenings lecture series presented by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters on Wednesday evenings September 13 through October 11, 2006, at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison. This special series marked the five-year anniversary after the events of September 11, 2001. The lectures, which included question and answer segments, addressed the history, politics, and current conditions in the Middle East, as well as problems in the region and some possible solutions. The speakers were Joe Elder ("The Roots of Conflict"), Jan H. Kalicki ("Rx for Oil Addiction: The Middle East and Energy Security"), Martin E. Marty ("The Dilemma of Fundamentalism"), Mary Layoun ("Beyond the U.S. Veil: Women in the Middle East"), and Ali Abootalebi and Nadav Shelef ("Paths to Peace"). The Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters is an independent nonprofit organization that works for a better Wisconsin by connecting people and ideas through their programs. This DVD set of the lectures is available for free loan from the Reference and Loan Library. It may be requested from Reference and Loan through normal interlibrary loan channels, by calling R&LL's circulation/AV booking department at 888-542-5543 (in-state) or 608-224-6169, by fax at 608-224-6178, or by email at rllill@dpi.state.wi.us.

5. NATIONAL AWARDS FOR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES

Laura Bush presented the 2006 National Awards for Museum and Library Service to three museums and three libraries at a ceremony at the White House on January 8. The awards are made annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to museums and libraries that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to public service through innovative programs and community partnerships.

The award includes prizes of $10,000 to each recipient and an awards ceremony in the East Room of the White House to help raise public awareness of the good work the institutions are doing in their communities. The ceremony featured individuals from all walks of life whose lives have been changed for the better as a result of the award winning libraries and museums.

"These outstanding museums and libraries exemplify great community service," said Mrs. Bush. "They lead efforts to promote literacy, science education, environmental conservation, and good health. Like many libraries and museums around the country, these six have made themselves indispensable to the communities they serve." View Mrs. Bush's full remarks at http://www.imls.gov/news/speeches/010807.shtm.

"These award-winning institutions are centers of excellence that connect people to information and ideas," said Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS director. Dr. Radice thanked the following for their support of the National Awards celebration: 3M Library Systems, The History Channel, Metal Edge, Inc., and Scholastic. View Dr. Radice's full remarks at http://www.imls.gov/news/speeches/010807b.shtm.

The winning institutions this year are:

Artrain USA, Ann Arbor, MI: www.imls.gov/news/2007/010807_art.shtm
Frankfort Community Public Library, Frankfort, IN:
www.imls.gov/news/2007/010807_frank.shtm
John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL:
www.imls.gov/news/2007/010807_shedd.shtm
Lincoln Children's Zoo, Lincoln, NE: www.imls.gov/news/2007/010807_linc.shtm

Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC:
www.imls.gov/news/2007/010807_char.shtm
San Antonio Public Library, San Antonio, TX:
www.imls.gov/news/2007/010807_san.shtm

The National Award for Museum Service was established in 1994, and the National Award for Library Service in 2000. Recipients of the awards are chosen for their innovative approaches to public service, and for their success in improving communities and making a difference in peoples' lives. All types of museums, from anthropological to zoological, fine art to folk art, urban, suburban, rural, large and small are eligible for the award. Public and private nonprofit libraries are eligible to receive this award, and nominations of libraries of all sizes are encouraged. The deadline for the 2007 awards is February 15, 2007. For more information, see: http://www.imls.gov/about/awards.shtm.

6. SUPPLEMENTAL DATA TABLES FROM THE ACADEMIC LIBRARIES SURVEY (ALS): 2002 AND 2004

Supplemental data tables from the Academic Libraries Survey (ALS): 2002 and 2004 have been released. The ALS: 2002 tables include state and institutional characteristic data. The ALS: 2004 supplemental tables present state data; the institutional data tables appeared in the First Look report (2007-301) released on November 14, 2006. Links to the 2004 report and 2002 and 2004 supplemental tables can be found online at: http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2007301

The report and supplemental tables provide a statistical profile of libraries serving postsecondary, degree-granting institutions in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The ALS was conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

For more information about this and other library surveys, please go to the Library Statistics Program home page at: http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/.

7. IMPROVING LITERACY THROUGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES STUDIES NEW GRANT PRIORITY

On December 15, 2006 Henry L. Johnson, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, announced a new proposed priority for the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries annual grant. Information describing this proposal is located at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-21754.htm. The Department of Education invites comments regarding this proposed priority. Comments would need to be received by January 19, 2007.

This year's proposition is that priority would go to "projects that demonstrate in their grant applications that the proposed literacy project services are comprehensive and aligned with a school or district improvement plan." This plan could be the three-year Combined Information and Technology Plan, currently submitted to the DPI for certification or a school district strategic plan. The full text for this proposed priority, as listed in the Federal Register, is available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-21754.htm.

Address all comments about this proposed priority to Irene Harwarth, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3W227, Washington, DC 20202-6200. If you prefer to send your comments via email, use the following address: lslcomments@ed.gov. You must include the term "Comments on FY 2007 LSL Priority'' in the subject line. General questions about the priority can be directed to Ms. Harwarth at (202) 401-3751. Also, please copy your comments to Melanie Anderson at manderson@alawash.org in the ALA Washington Office in order for ALA to better represent its members.

Currently the purpose of the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program is to improve student reading skills and academic achievement by providing students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials; well-equipped, technologically advanced school library media centers; and well-trained, professionally certified school library media specialists. Entities that are eligible for funding include local educational agencies (LEAs) in which 20 percent of the students served by the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line. These entities include public school districts, and may also include charter schools, regional service agencies, and State-administered schools that are considered public school districts by their State educational agency. Grantees use this funding to update their school library media center collections, improve technology and Internet access for their school library media centers, extend the hours of their school library media centers, and provide professional development for school library media specialists.

For more information on the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program, please go to http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/washfunding/schlbryfunds/schlbryfunds.htm.

8. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

An Outline of the U.S. Economy -- http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/oecon/ -- This report, released by the U.S. Department of State, charts the challenges and risks facing Americans and their economic well-being. The site examines how the American economy works, and explores how it evolved. (Website courtesy of refdesk.com.)

9. CALENDAR

January 12, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development, by videoconference

January 19-24, 2007 - American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, Seattle

January 23, 2007 - Wisconsin Library Legislative Day, Madison

February 9, 2007 - Library Information Technology Advisory Committee meeting, Madison

February 22, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Madison

February 27, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Waterford

March 7, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, DePere

March 9, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development, location to be announced

March 13, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Rice Lake

March 25-27, 2007 - Wisconsin Educational Media Association Spring Conference, Madison

April 3, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Fond du Lac

April 12, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Fennimore

April 17-20 - Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians, Wisconsin Dells

April 18, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Hurley

April 19, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Wausau

April 26, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Sparta

May 2, 2007 - Gates Foundation "Greener Pastures" Rural Sustainability Project workshop, Eau Claire (WAPL preconference)

May 2-4, 2007 - Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries, Eau Claire

May 11, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, location to be announced

May 11, 2007 - Library Information Technology Advisory Committee meeting, Madison

June 21-27, 2007 - American Library Association Annual Conference, Washington DC

July 13, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, location to be announced

September 14, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, location to be announced

October 12, 2007 - Library Information Technology Advisory Committee meeting, Madison

October 16-19, 2007 - Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference, Green Bay

November 9, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, location to be announced

For more details about these and other meetings, see the WISDOM calendar at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/wisdom.html and the BadgerLink and WISCAT training site at http://www.wiscat.lib.wi.us/training.html.


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Roslyn Wise, Editor, at (608) 266-6439



For questions about this information, contact Roslyn M. Wise (608) 266-6439

Last updated on 2/6/2007 1:03:09 PM